Maintenance Plan
Maintaining a security program is the key to its success and effectiveness. That is why COVA Consulting offers a maintenance program tailored to each client. Our continuity service covers the following needs:
- Internal audits of business partners.*
- Risk assessment updates every 6 months and/or whenever there is a justified cause, based on OEA and CTPAT requirements.**
- Bimonthly visits to perform effectiveness tests and review CTPAT/OEA processes. These reviews include reports and cover current business partners directly involved in the supply chain (carriers).
- Training for critical staff every 6 months: security guards, shipping staff and supervisors.
- Review and update of written CTPAT and OEA procedures.
- Post-Incident Analysis support, such as analysis drills and evidence gathering in the event of a supply chain contamination and/or breach.
- Updating your CTPAT profile in the portal and maintaining communication with the specialists.
- Completion of forms and letters, and submission of annual OEA renewal applications.#
* Carriers, customs brokerages and importers located in the Mexicali urban area and the Imperial Valley; elsewhere, a travel fee applies.
** OEA: ISO 31000 / CTPAT: 5 Step Risk Assessment.
# Does not include the VAT and IEPS (excise tax) certification or the renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a maintenance plan if I am already certified?
CTPAT and OEA certifications require the security program to work every day, not just on validation day. Maintenance keeps your procedures, risk assessment, training and business partners up to date, so you are ready for the authorities’ reviews.
What does the plan include?
Internal audits of business partners, risk assessment updates, visits for effectiveness testing, training for critical staff, updates to CTPAT and OEA procedures, post-incident analysis support, CTPAT portal profile updates and the annual OEA renewal filing.
How often do you visit?
Visits for effectiveness testing and process reviews are bimonthly. Training for critical staff (guards, shipping staff and supervisors) and risk assessment updates take place every 6 months, or sooner when justified.
Do you serve companies outside Mexicali?
Business partner audits cover carriers, customs brokers and importers located in the Mexicali urban area and the Imperial Valley. Outside that area, the service is offered with a travel expense fee.
Does the plan include the OEA renewal?
Yes, it includes completing forms and letters and filing the annual OEA renewal requests. It does not include the VAT and IEPS certification or the renewal cost.
What happens if a security incident occurs?
We support you with post-incident analysis, including drills and evidence gathering in the event of contamination or a supply chain breach.
